HEART REEF

Heart Reef in the Whitsundays is a stunning natural composition of coral in the perfect shape of a heart. Located in Hardy Reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef in the Whitsundays, Heart Reef is best experienced from the air by helicopter or seaplane. Due to its protected status, visitors are unable to snorkel or dive at Heart Reef. An iconic experience in the Whitsundays, many tour companies will combine a scenic flight over Heart Reef with other breathtaking spots in the Whitsundays, including Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.

Heart Reef has been the site of many proposals and declarations of love over the years. If planning on making the ultimate romantic gesture, let your pilot know your plans and they'll be able to help you with some extra flight time over the famous icon.

About Heart Reef

Heart Reef was discovered in 1975 by a local pilot and is now an internationally-recognised attraction of the Whitsundays and features on many postcards and brochures promoting the Whitsunday region and the Great Barrier Reef. Amateur photographers have been amazed to see that their photos look exactly like the ones in the brochures! Get your selfie sticks ready, you are about to visit one of the most Instgrammable locations in the world.

How to Get Here

Heart Reef is a natural coral formation located in the Great Barrier Reef. Airlie Beach is great launch pad for flights leaving for Heart Reef tours. You can also book scenic flights from Hamilton Island.
Book a direct flight from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns to Hamilton Island. Proserpine, also known as Whitsundays Coast Airport connects directly to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

What to Do Here

Fly over the Heart Reef

The only way to view the Heart Reef is to fly over it. Take a ride in a helicopter, seaplane or fixed wing aircraft to admire the most-loved natural attraction.

Snorkel

Although you can’t snorkel at Heart Reef, you can fly over in a seaplane and land close by for an afternoon of fun. The stunning Great Barrier Reef hides some jaw-dropping secrets underwater. Uncover all of them when you visit the Whitsundays. The GBR is home to over 5,000 species of molluscs and 1,500 species of fish. If you’re lucky you might get to see ‘Nemo’ or clownfish in their anemone homes, or massive turtles swimming nonchalantly.

Stay

Stay close to the Heart Reef on luxury islands, Hamilton or Daydream Island surrounded by the sparkling Coral Sea. This is the swankiest address in Australia with some of the best bars, restaurants and swimming pools. The spectacular views, epic beaches, snorkelling, sailing and several other exciting options at these islands will keep you and the family entertained. A plethora of adventure and scenic tours also take off from here. So, you might want to ask your hotel concierge and book in advance.

You can also stay on the Great Barrier Reef and sleep on the deck in a comfortable tent under the stars, which shine their brightest with zero light pollution. Wake up early in the morning to witness the sun rising over the sea and the relaxing sound of waves crashing in the distance.

For a more rugged yet extraordinary experience, camp on Whitehaven Beach or one of the countless beautiful spots in the Whitsundays. Skipper your own boat and stay on it overnight on the azure waters of Coral Sea. Bareboating is the best way to be an independent explorer here.